BAE Systems, Inc.
Engineering Manager III - Systems Operations and Sustainment
Be an Early Applicant
Lead Systems Operations & Sustainment team, manage engineers for Civil and National Defense programs, ensure effective process management and team performance, and maintain stakeholder relationships.
Job Description
We're seeking a self-motivated engineering manager to help lead our Systems Operations & Sustainment team. Our multi-disciplinary teams prepare for launch, initialization, and early operations of satellites. Our teams are a key part of the launch and commissioning team and support on orbit test, factory reach-back, operations, and maintenance of satellites through their mission life. This is a key role within the Systems Engineering leadership team. The successful candidate will lead a team of ~20-30 staff members; there will two engineering managers supporting the Systems Operations & Sustainment team.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening
What You'll Do:
On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $150370 - $255630
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for the U.S. Intelligence, Department of Defense and scientific communities. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
We're seeking a self-motivated engineering manager to help lead our Systems Operations & Sustainment team. Our multi-disciplinary teams prepare for launch, initialization, and early operations of satellites. Our teams are a key part of the launch and commissioning team and support on orbit test, factory reach-back, operations, and maintenance of satellites through their mission life. This is a key role within the Systems Engineering leadership team. The successful candidate will lead a team of ~20-30 staff members; there will two engineering managers supporting the Systems Operations & Sustainment team.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening
What You'll Do:
- Lead and manage a Systems Operations & Sustainment department which includes engineers supporting Civil and National Defense programs.
- Exhibit behaviors aligned with the BAE Systems Behavior Framework. The behaviors would include developing & executing a strategic vision, developing people within an inclusive workplace, and inspiring others.
- Lead the team to define, maintain, and improve Systems Operations & Sustainment processes, to include procedures, standards, guidelines, templates, and estimation guidance.
- Collaborate on the strategic vision for the Systems Operations & Sustainment departments, in alignment with the Systems Engineering strategy.
- Provide engineering management and lead hiring, staffing, and career development to align with Strategic Business Unit (SBU) needs.
- Lead the performance management process for the department.
- Partner closely with program leadership to build and maintain high performing teams and to address needs and issues proactively.
- Establish, develop, and maintain strong relationships with staff, peer managers, program managers and directors, and other internal stakeholders.
- Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
- May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
- May access other facilities in various weather conditions.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- BS/BA in related field plus 12 or more years related experience.
- Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
- A current, active Top Secret security clearance is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI.
- Familiarity with systems engineering processes, such as requirements management, change and configuration management, and verification and validation.
- Previous experience leading technical teams.
- Team building and organizational skills
- Solid customer service, accountability, and interpersonal skill set.
- Excellent communication and listening skills.
- Commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.
- Comfortable interacting with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
- Comfortable operating at a fast pace.
- Comfortable with frequent change and helping others adapt to change.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Experience in mission operations, including one or more of the following areas:
- Operations readiness activities, rehearsals, and launch support activities
- On-console or factory support of satellite operations
- Spacecraft commissioning
- Spacecraft, payload, or subsystem design
- Mission management, command and control
- Operations product development such as command execution scripts, alarm limits, mission system constraints, operating procedures, training material, or tools.
- Team management/leadership experience including staff recruitment, management of performance and career development.
- Firm grasp of Project Management / Earned Value Management principles with demonstrated application in prior work.
- Ability to manage and influence key external and internal stakeholders.
- Experience in technology management and strategic direction.
- Budgeting, proposal, and/or cost estimating experience.
- Ability to manage and influence key external and internal stakeholders.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $150370 - $255630
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for the U.S. Intelligence, Department of Defense and scientific communities. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Top Skills
Systems Engineering
BAE Systems, Inc. Boulder, Colorado, USA Office
1600 Commerce St, Boulder, CO, United States, 80301
BAE Systems, Inc. Broomfield, Colorado, USA Office
BAE Systems, Inc. Space & Mission Systems headquarters Office

Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems.
Similar Jobs at BAE Systems, Inc.
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Lead engineering efforts across RF Systems sectors, architecting solutions, mentoring teams, managing requirements, and ensuring effective presentation and relationship-building with key stakeholders.
Top Skills:
Mission SolutionsRf SystemsSystems Engineering
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Lead systems engineering leadership for Space Missions, managing cost, schedule, risk, and providing technical guidance through project lifecycles.
Top Skills:
Model Based Systems Engineering Tools
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Lead systems engineering teams through the program lifecycle for Space-based Systems including concept, design, requirement development, and launch.
Top Skills:
Model Based Systems Engineering
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute


